adding a leaf spring

phenrichs wrote:
I have to say it depends on how it is done. My 1ton Dodge rode like a boat. The suspension was squishy. I took it into a local shop to have them check it out. They recommended re-arching the leaves and adding one. They said it would lift the back about an inch. I was apprehensive but went with it. When I got it back he walked me through what they did. They split the leaf packs out and re-arched the existing ones and added another one to the center of the pack so it is like a factory leaf pack. Not one of those thick overkill add-a-leaf kits. They then put new shocks all the way around. $900 out the door. I am very happy with the work and you can't tell that it is taller.

This sounds like a much better solution. I did have the add-a-leaf, and it was done for lift not towing, and I was a teenager so I didn't care about the ride. lol

I have to say it depends on how it is done. My 1ton Dodge rode like a boat. The suspension was squishy. I took it into a local shop to have them check it out. They recommended re-arching the leaves and adding one. They said it would lift the back about an inch. I was apprehensive but went with it. When I got it back he walked me through what they did. They split the leaf packs out and re-arched the existing ones and added another one to the center of the pack so it is like a factory leaf pack. Not one of those thick overkill add-a-leaf kits. They then put new shocks all the way around. $900 out the door. I am very happy with the work and you can't tell that it is taller.

put a extra spring in my van for towing my boats, only way to go, they don,t leak.

beemerphile1 wrote:
I have added a leaf to three different vehicles. I have been happy with the results each time. I have never had a leaf spring leak air, I have dealt with air suspension components leaking air at fittings.

Leaf springs, not air, are in my future.

I also added a leaf spring to my F150 and have been very impressed with the results. It didn't raise the truck but made it stiffer. I was heading for air bags but was advised to try a leaf spring. Perhaps if I was a full timer, I'd go air bags but as I'm a casual camper the leaf spring served me well.

I have added a leaf to three different vehicles. I have been happy with the results each time. I have never had a leaf spring leak air, I have dealt with air suspension components leaking air at fittings.

Leaf springs, not air, are in my future.

Extra leaf would be my last choice, however another leaf will support more weight. It'll also make it ride rougher and look funny if the front suspension is untouched. Extra rear leaf could net you 2 inches or more lift in the rear.
How much is it squatting now? If your hitch is right it should be about perfect. What size weight bars are you using? Some rear squat is OK. I allow mine to go down a couple inches for a better ride, even though I can get it perfectly level with the hitch.
Other than that look at Timbrens.